Hiring a carpet cleaner is an important step in restoring your carpet.  This section of the carpetbuyershandbook helps you to: hire a carpet cleaner, restorative cleaning, carpet cleaning methods, carpet manufacturer, itemized charges, deodorization, stains, spot removal (carpet stain removal), soil removal, soil treatment, stain treatment, Better Business Bureau

Hiring a carpet cleaner

First, for all those carpet cleaning professionals who may be reviewing this site, the word carpet cleaner is used interchangeably with carpet cleaning professional throughout the Carpet Buyers Handbook.  While we understand the proper terminology for carpet cleaner is carpet cleaning professional, the search engines do not recognize carpet cleaning professional as a carpet cleaner. Our apologies for using the term carpet cleaner, but The Carpet Buyers Handbook did not establish the search rules. To locate a carpet cleaner in your area, visit our carpet cleaner links sections.

Sooner or later you will need to consider hiring a carpet cleaner to perform a thorough cleaning of your carpet.  Don’t wait until your carpet is so heavily soiled that the cleaner is forced into a restorative carpet cleaning mode.  This shortens the usable life of your carpet and can be more costly to clean. In hiring a carpet cleaner consider the following.

 More than 33,000 carpet cleaners operate in the United States.  They are truly professional, ethical businesses, ably equipped to handle any carpet cleaning and restoration need and to whom the consumer can trust their valuable carpet or rug.  Taking the following into consideration can facilitate the selection of a carpet cleaner.

 The first decision that should be investigated is the type of carpet cleaning method that is acceptable for your particular needs.  See the descriptions for carpet cleaning methods to assist in making this decision.

Each of the five recommended carpet cleaning methods can be very effective, provided the operator has sufficient skill.  A carpet manufacturer may prefer a specific method for its carpet.  In selecting a carpet cleaner, the method employed should match the recommendations of the carpet manufacturer.

Once a carpet cleaning method has been selected, a carpet cleaning firm should be selected.  In evaluating various firms, the consumer should ask about formal training required for management and carpet cleaning technicians.  Many firms require that employees receive certification from recognized national organizations.  Such certification programs require carpet cleaning firms to update their training on a continuing basis.  Some national companies may elect to certify their employees through their own continuing education programs.

 Ask leading questions that may provide insight into the carpet cleaner's experience.  The number of years the carpet cleaning firm has been in business may provide some insight into the capabilities of the carpet cleaner.  If the carpet cleaning firm has been in business for a short while, request more information about the firm's background.  Just because the firm has only been in business for a short time does not necessarily mean they will not provide acceptable service.

Request an itemized list of charges for services that will be provided.  Be wary of a carpet cleaner that advertises prices that are too good to be true.  If you have any questions regarding specific services that the company includes, such as reapplying stain treatments, antistats, or other extras, contact the carpet manufacturer for their recommendation.  Extra charges may have been added for services that are not needed.  Also, confirm the total price so that additional charges are not added without your prior knowledge.

 Professional firms may offer a variety of services that are unrelated to carpet cleaning such as deodorization, upholstery cleaning, spotting and stain removal, and application of various soil and stain protectants.

 References should be requested from each carpet cleaner interviewed.  These references should be contacted.  The selection of a carpet cleaner should never be based solely on price.  The local Better Business Bureau may be able to provide information about the history of the carpet cleaner.  If a complaint has been filed against the company, it may be on record.  Ask for guarantees of workmanship in writing.  Inquire about insurance or bonding for your own assurance.

 This site has provided links for reputable cleaners in various areas of the country.  Seriously consider contacting these carpet cleaners to evaluate your carpet cleaning needs.  While we do not endorse or recommend any carpet cleaner listed on our site our buyer assurance policy transfers to carpet cleaners as well.  If we receive a consumer complaint regarding a carpet cleaner listed on our site, we will contact the cleaner and enquire about the complaint.  If we can establish that the complaint is justified and goes unresolved, we will remove the carpet cleaner from our listing.